Unlawful Utilization of Grant Money for Lobbying and Partisan Political Actions by Federal Grant Recipients

The White House has issued a memorandum, directed towards the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to investigate potential misuse of Federal grant funds. The memorandum, set to be published in the Federal Register, aims to address concerns over illegal lobbying activities and partisan political activity by federal grantees.

The Attorney General is tasked with investigating whether Federal grant funds are being used to support lobbying activities that may be in violation of existing laws and regulations. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the other hand, will focus on budgetary, administrative, and legislative proposals related to this issue.

The investigation is subject to the authority granted by law and the availability of appropriations. It is important to note that no section of the memorandum is intended to impair or affect any existing laws or regulations.

The memorandum comes in response to reports suggesting that Federal funding reviews have revealed taxpayer funds are being spent on grants with highly political overtones. The possible use of Federal grants as slush funds for political and legislative advocacy raises serious legal concerns.

The President has instructed both the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report on the progress of the investigation within 180 days of the date of the memorandum. The memorandum does not grant any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity.

In the past, President Trump appointed Steve Bannon to investigate the use of federal funds for illegal lobbying and partisan misuse of federal grants. However, it is unclear if Mr. Bannon is involved in the current investigation.

Federal law places strict limitations on the use of Federal grant funds, and in many instances, prohibits grantees from lobbying with appropriated funds or supporting political candidates or parties with grant funds. Violations of these laws could lead to serious consequences, including the loss of funding and potential legal action.

As the investigation progresses, the public will be kept informed about any developments regarding the misuse of Federal grant funds. This memorandum is not intended to create any enforceable rights or benefits for any party, but rather to ensure the proper use of taxpayer dollars in accordance with the law.